I recently went one-on-one with former supermodel Kim Alexis.
Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?
Kim: I started in New York as a model way back in 1978, so a lot of water has passed under the bridge. I have had numerous successes and also setbacks. I learn and self-analyze from all of them, both the good and the bad. When doors close but you still want to get through them, you can become quite creative in new ways to open those doors. So, never give up. There is always a way to move forward. Sometimes the setbacks were just what I needed at that moment.”
Modeling was a lonely business. Many days were bookings with just me as the model. Every day was a new photographer in a new location with new advertising people, so I had to be pretty confident in myself. I didn’t have many people back then to lean on. My old school friends from high school didn’t understand my new world, and my agents worked with not only me but the advertising clients also, so it came down to me making the decisions.
Adam: What is the most surprising thing about life as a supermodel?
Kim: The number of people who recognize my face. Back in the 80’s, I was in New York working hard every day with little to no feedback. Now, with social media, I get to hear about how my photos helped inspire others. It is quite amazing to hear.
Adam: In your experience, what are the keys to effective communication? What can anyone do to become a better communicator?
Kim: I am never afraid to ask people what they really mean if I don’t understand their questions. Since I am always self-analyzing myself, I state how I am feeling to those around me. I learned that I have to let others know what I want or expect if I want things to get done. I had three sons, and I just wished they would take out the garbage, but that didn’t work. I either had to come up with a rewards system for them or gently remind them, otherwise I just would fume and wonder why they couldn’t read my mind!
Adam: What are your best tips on the topics of marketing and branding?
Kim: It is ever-changing and evolving with the marketing tools available, but the message should be clear, and you should always stay true to your brand. I had to learn this way back in the late 70’s without knowing what it was called. I would get up to 14 booking offers a day, so I had my choice of which clients and advertising to take. It was a pretty nice thing there for a while. It made me realize that I didn’t want to go down certain paths, and I definitely had a comfort spot and other jobs that would have made me feel uncomfortable. Branding comes down to staying in the area of expertise that is your passion. There can be numerous branches for some, like me, and for others, the path is very narrow, and they do not want to step out of that path. I went from fashion to health to longevity in numerous fields, from modeling in photos to broadcasting and then on the speaking circuit to writing books, and now to podcasting. I still have ideas for my future.
Adam: What do you believe are the defining qualities of an effective leader? How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?
Kim: Leaders have to be willing to stand in front of a project with the vision of where you know it should go. Think of the tip of a spear. It takes more effort at the very tip to push through to the other side of something you may not see but you are the one as a leader using your energy and thoughtfulness that tell the others behind you that this is the right way to go. Vision and energy!
Adam: What are your best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders?
Kim: Know what you want and where you want to go. Pick people who challenge you but also don’t slow you down with either negativity or another vision. Be willing to stand up for what you think is right and also not afraid to say “no.” Ask yourself when you go home at night if this is the right thing for you to do right now, or is it time for a change. Be willing to change and pivot. Life is ever-changing, so we must also.
Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
Kim: Stay the way I am. I think they were referring to my personality and being grounded.
Adam: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Kim: To all the young girls out there who aspire to model, it is okay to go for it and take steps towards this as a career, but always have something else to fall back on: a skill or education. Modeling is short-lived and filled with rejection. It is one of the few jobs where you are hired for your outside appearance and not for your personality, skills, or your knowledge. Rejection is part of the business, so you have to know yourself, set boundaries, and be willing to walk away and try something else. Never let yourself become desperate. Also, this life is temporary. Change is inevitable, and no situation stays the same forever. Enjoy the highs and expect the lows, and use the lows as learning tools. Stay strong!
